It was learnt that the police acted on distress calls that the bandits were asking residents to pay N2.5m to a bank account or risked being kidnapped.

One of the suspects, Kwairi, told our correspondent that he joined the kidnap gang to make money for the forthcoming sallah celebration.

I was looking for money to buy things for the sallah; I never knew that police operatives will arrest me. My parents were so angry that they refused to visit me in the cell. Honestly, I have disappointed them and I pray that they would forgive me,” Kwairi lamented.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Abubakar, stated that the suspects were threatening to kidnap Sabon Mariga residents if they failed to pay N2.5m.

He added that the matter would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.